August 13, 2013

LAS VEGAS -Travelers looking for the best Mexican Independence Day celebrations this side of the Rio Grande need travel no further than Las Vegas for exciting El Grito! festivities. Thousands of visitors will indulge in world-class Mexican cuisine, dance to the rhythms of the hottest Latin music artists, revel in unmatched nightlife and enjoy outstanding comedians. Las Vegas is a premier international destination famous for entertainment and top-notch cultural celebrations.

"Mexican Independence Day gives Las Vegas and its visitors the opportunity to celebrate and honor Mexican heritage in a vibrant and exciting way," said Cathy Tull senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "Guests of all nationalities will appreciate the best of Mexican tradition, cuisine and entertainment Las Vegas has to offer."

A host of A-list talent will take to the stages along the Strip corridor with iconic performances, including:

The celebration doesn't end there! One of boxing's biggest stars, undefeated champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. will face-off with Mexican boxer Saúl ‘Canelo' Álvarez, former WBC and WBO light middleweight champion at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The pair will battle for the WBC super welterweight world championship on Sept. 14.

Additionally, the Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will host a midnight ceremonial ringing of the bell to welcome El Grito! on Sept. 15. Visitors will have the opportunity toast with Mariachi and folklore dancers, as well as performers roaming throughout the resort during the holiday weekend.

The party will continue in Downtown Las Vegas on Sept. 14 with The Fiesta Las Vegas Latino Parade & Festival, Southern Nevada's largest Latino parade and festival. Mexican singer Rogelio Martínez will be the official grand marshal for the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Festivities will carry on at Freemont Street Experience until noon.

Authentic Mexican music will be on display at the Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival, a gathering of hundreds of the world's finest Mariachi performers who will showcase their traditional music at Paris Las Vegas Events Center on Sept. 15. Special guests include Antonio Aguilar Jr., Vargas de Tecalitlan, the ensemble Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano.

In addition to entertainment, Las Vegas has truly redefined the culinary experience by offering world-class restaurants, more Master Sommeliers than any other city in the world, and the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs. Guests can enjoy unparalleled culinary delights during El Grito! at the following world-class restaurants:

Celebrity chef José Andrés' restaurant, China Poblano, will host the official after party for the Enrique Iglesias concert at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Sept. 15.

Tacos & Tequila at the Luxor is home to Executive Chef Saul Ortiz, originally from Mexico City. T&T features a weekly Mariachi Sunday Brunch with a live Mariachi band with fabulous, authentic Mexican food.

If you want it, Vegas has it. From designer splurges to bargain deals, Las Vegas has become a one-stop shopping mecca. Everything from premium outlets to haute couture boutiques can be found in retail centers along the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas. Only in Las Vegas will you find daily live fashion shows on an 80-foot runway; gondolas that whisk you to fine boutiques and an assortment of free shows to entertain you while you rest your feet.

To plan your unforgettable trip to Las Vegas for El Grito! weekend, including air and hotel packages, show tickets and more, visit http://www.lasvegas.com/.